Old House Offers View, History, Entertainment

Because buildings built before the turn of the century are rare in South Florida, the Old House really is old by local standards. The Lantana landmark was constructed in 1889.

But it`s the location rather than the structure that`s the attention-grabber here.

Located on the waterway, the Old House presents a wide view of the Intracoastal. After dark, it`s quite beautiful to sit outside and watch the boats pass by.

Although some rooms are furnished with tables and chairs inside the house/ restaurant, most diners select seating on the dock and veranda.

Patrons present for the entertainment congregate around the raw bar where, instead of a dinner menu, they receive a simple bill of fare suggesting finger food ($1.25 to $3.95), sandwiches ($2.95 to $4.95) and similar items. Ordering food isn`t mandatory (well-brand cocktails start at $2.60).

Tim Williams and Jenny perform songs such as Take It Easy. Satisfying their audience means playing tunes made famous by artists such as Stephen Stills and Jim Croce. Judging by a recent visit, the duo has a great number of fans. Having heard them previously at Parker`s Lighthouse in Palm Beach Gardens, I know the admiration is merited.

However, the sound didn`t come across well during this visit to the Old House. Perhaps amplification is kept at a minimum because vibrations carry over the water and might offend some neighbors. Maybe the entertainers should situate themselves in a better position. Whatever the problem, the music suffered.

The Old House has a great deal of charm, and having live entertainment is a nice touch. But there`s no air conditioning where the performers are, and this summer`s breezes aren`t blowing briskly. So a word to the wise is in order -- if you go to the Old House, don`t wear warm clothing.

NIGHTLIFE NEWS

Get out your cowboy hats and snakeskin boots. From 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Scoundrel`s, 100 E. Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, has a country jamboree.

The Willow Creek band will be performing. Call 265-1313.

-- It appears as though jazz is a musical art form being rediscovered lately.

Clubs that you may not think of as jazz showcases are featuring this excellent form of entertainment. The latest one is Boston`s, 40 S. Ocean Blvd. Delray Beach, a local saloon with a predominately young crowd. Starting at 8 p.m. every Wednesday, the oceanfront bistro hosts Jazz by the Sea, featuring the Mike Rossi Jazz Quartet. Rossi, sax/clarinet/flute, Dave Tomasello, bass, Gary Ray, keyboards/vocals, and Richie Franks, drums, play a variety of jazz and swing.

``Boston`s is responding to an interest in jazz by its clientele,`` says proprietor Perry DonFrancisco. ``Whether it be progressive jazz by Spyro Gyra or rejuvenated swing standards by Harry Connick Jr., there is a demand for this type of music.``

-- Rosie`s Raw Bar, 612 Lake Ave., Lake Worth, stopped most of its live entertainment during the summer season. But it seems that no one wanted to dismiss acoustic-guitarist Jimi D-Bo. He continues to perform from 7 to 11 p.m., Sundays.

-- While young Derek Trucks gains nationwide attention for his ability to play the slide guitar, Palm Beach County has its own talented 9-year-old performer.

He`s Keith Whalen, who also plays the guitar and appears with his father Glenn Whalen with the Shades of Blue band, a popular group that plays frequently in area clubs.